•iV.''-'  v.   . 


DUKE 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY 


Treasure  %oom 


'.^',^  *' % 


vS^H 


>^^ 


TlIK     # 


nOITSISTIHQ   01 


POEMS 


OCCASIOJ^ED  BY  THE  BECEJVT  VISIT  OF 


LAFAYETTE 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 


BT  DAiriEL  BRYAN. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

H.  C.  CAREY  &  I.  LEA— CHESNUT  STREEl'. 

1826. 


•'. 


Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania,  to  wit : 

**».#»*       BE  jT  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  April, 

»  Seal.  J  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 

'    »»•«»»*  America,  A.  D.  1826,  Daniel  Bryan,  of  the  said  District,  hath 

deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as 

Author,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Lay  of  Gratitude ;  consisting  of  Poems  occasioned  by  the  re- 
cent visit  of  Lafayette  to  the  United  States.     By  Daniel  Bryan." 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entituled, 
"An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  secui-ing  the  copies  of 
Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  Authors  and  Proprietors  of  such  copies, 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned." — And  also  to  an  Act,  entitled,  "  an 
Act  supplementary  to  an  Act,  entitled,  '  an  Act  for  the  encouragement  of 
Learning,  by  securing  the  Copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the 
Authors  and  Proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mention- 
ed,' and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  Arts  of  designing,  engraving, 
and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

D.  CALDWELL, 
Clerk  of  the  Fxutern  District  of  Perinsylvama. 


52Z^^3 


*        s 


mmTsmwp^ 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  reader  is  requested  to  bear  in  mind 
that  the  following  Poem  appears  in  the  charac- 
ter of  an  Address  to  General  Lafayette,  in  the 
presence  of  an  immense  assembly  convened  on 
the  plains  of  Yorktown,  to  celebrate  the  anni- 
versary of  the  surrender  at  that  place  to  Ge- 
neral Washington  and  his  patriotic  band,  of  the 
British  Army  under  Lord  Cornwallis; — that 
this  glorious  event  formed  the  closing  scene  of 
the  American  Revolution — and  that  General 
Lafayette  there  met,  after  an  absence  of  forty 
years,  a  remnant  of  those  gallant  veterans  who 
had  partaken  witli  him  the  dangers  and  the 
triumphs  of  that  ever-memorable  day. 

The  author  would  here  take  occasion  to  dis- 
claim the  indulgence  of  any  illiberal  sentiments 
towards  the  British  nation.  In  the  strong  lan- 
guage which  he  uses  in  adverting  to  the  op- 
pressive measures  exercised  by  the  British 
Government  against  her  American  colonies,  he 


VI  PREFACE. 

wishes  to  be  distinctly  understood  as  intending 
only  to  characterise  as  tyrannical,  the  exception- 
able acts  themselves,  and  the  administration  by 
which  they  were  adopted.  For  the  great  body 
of  the  Enghsh  nation,  whom  he  knows  to  be 
humane,  virtuous,  and  enlightened,  he  feels  the 
highest  respect;  and,  while  he  regards  as  im- 
measurably preferable  the  free  republican  insti- 
tutions of  his  own  country,  he  sees  much  in  the 
constitution  of  the  British  government  to  ad- 
mire; and  would  be  very  sorry  to  suspect  that, 
while  professing  to  be  a  republican  himself,  he 
should  be  so  much  under  the  influence  of  poli- 
tical bigotry  and  contracted  principles,  as  to 
entertain  prejudices  against  the  citizens  of  an- 
other country  on  account  of  their  attachment  to 
the  land  of  their  nativity,  and  of  their  prefer- 
ence for  the  government  under  which  they  were 
educated  and  to  which  their  allegiance  is  due. 

Jilpxandria,  D.  C.  March  18,  18£6. 


POETICAL  ADDRESS 
SUPPOSED  TO  SAVE  BEEJV  RECITED 

TO 

GENERilL  LAFAYETTE 


lioiikto^w, 


On  the  19th  October,  1824. 


I. 

IN  the  name  of  our  country,  great  Hero !  we  come 

To  welcome  thee  here  on  this  day  of  thy  glory  ; 
And  we  hail  thee  with  music  of  cannon  and  drum, 

On  these  plains  once  with  battle  disfigured  and  gory  j 
Where  the  flame  of  thy  sword,  and  the  flash  of  thy  eye, 

Victory's  path  through  the  clouds  of  the  conflict  illumed. 
When  Liberty's  banner,  displayed  in  the  sky. 

Proclaimed  that  her  foe  to  discomfit  was  doomed. 


8  THE  GREETING. 


II. 

Thy  presence,  like  that  of  some  guest  from  above 

Descended  to  minister  blessings  on  earth. 
Enkindles  the  fervours  of  reverence  and  love 

Wherever  the  patriot  emotions  have  birth  ; 
But,  here,  on  this  glorious  arena  of  Fame, 

Too  feeble  is  language — our  voices  too  faint — 
The  transports  that  gush  through  our  breasts  to  proclaim ; 

No  muse  can  depict  them — no  pencil  can  paint.— 

III. 

When  the  tempest  of  Tyranny  hung  on  our  shore. 

And  the  peals  of  its  vengeance  our  continent  shook ; 
When  the  white  robes  of  Freedom  were  dripping  with  gore. 

And  she  drooped  as  though  Hope  had  her  bosom  forsook— 
Thy  gallant  young  heart,  with  an  ardour  divine, 

A  devotion  as  pure  as  e'er  hallowed  the  soul. 
Vowed  to  yield  the  last  throb  of  its  pulse  at  her  shrine, 

Or  see  her  the  standard  of  triumph  unrol.— 


THE  GREETING. 


IV. 

Columbia !  behold  here  the  champion  whose  vow. 

Thus  solemnly  made,  on  this  spot  was  fulfilled ! 
Here,  a  branch  of  that  laurel  still  green  on  his  brow 

He  plucked,  where  the  blood  of  the  foeman  was  spilled. 
No  bankrupt  in  character,  fortune,  or  friends — 

No  ambitious,  or  venal,  adventurer  was  he; 
No  pang  of  affliction  the  heart  strings  that  rends, 

Forced  him  o'er  the  wide  billows  for  solace  to  flee. 

V. 

With  the  golden  dominion  of  wealth  at  command, 

And  arrayed  in  the  honours  of  title  and  birth  ; 
In  the  ecstatic  endearments  of  wedlock's  sweet  band 

United  with  loveliness,  beauty,  and  worth  ; 
A  favourite  of  Gallia's  magnificent  court, 

And  entwined  with  his  infancy's  tenderest  ties, 
He  heard,  with  a  bosom  all  flame,  the  report 

Of  the  ravaging  storm  that  enveloped  our  skies. 

2 


10  THE   GREETING. 


vr. 


As  though  by  a  spirit  prophetic  inspired, 

His  soul  made  a  flight  through  the  orbit  of  Time, 
In  the  vast  of  the  future  her  pinions,  untired, 

She  expanded,  contemplating  visions  sublime ; 
The  prospects  effulgent  that  burst  on  her  eye, 

An  Elysium  of  glory  and  freedom  evolved, 
Harmonious  and  grand  as  the  systems  on  high, 

Nor  destined  to  vanish  'till  these  are  dissolved  I 

VII. 

But  the  country  which  thus  to  his  Fancy's  rapt  view 

In  the  luminous  flow  of  pure  happiness  shone, 
Had  her  mountains  and  valleys  in  blood  to  imbrue. 

And  grapple  in  war  with  the  hosts  of  a  throne  ! 
Ere  those  scenes  of  delight  could  around  her  unfold ; 

But  the  vantage  in  armament,  numbers,  and  skill, 
Her  opponent  combined  with  the  allurements  of  gold, 

Gave  hiin  means  at  discretion  to  ravage  and  kill. 


THE   GREETING.  1  1 


VIII. 

Inexperienced  and  young— her  resources  but  few- 
Like  Israel's  brave  youth  with  the  giant  of  Gath — 

Her  cause  on  its  justice  and  Heaven  she  threw. 
And  unshrinkingly  met  her  antagonist's  wrath — 

With  an  ardour  that  none  but  the  generous  can  feel, 
And  a  purpose  too  pure  for  the  selfish  to  know. 

As  the  contest  its  terrors  began  to  reveal 

Lafayette  proclaimed  himself  Tyranny's  foe ! 

IX. 

From  his  temples  their  peace-woven  chaplets  he  tore. 

And  consigned  the  loved  tokens  to  beauty's  soft  hand  ; 
He  cast  from  his  limbs  the  rich  vestments  they  wore,     . 

And,  transformed  as  if  touched  by  a  magical  wand, 
The  courtly  young  noble,  in  armour  arrayed. 

The  glittering  pageants  of  Monarchy  spurned, 
And  to  wield  for  Columbia  his  virginal  blade 

His  magnanimous  spirit  impatiently  burned. — 


« 


il 


THE   GREETING. 


X. 

By  duty's  all-powerful  impetus  driven, 

From  the  arms  of  connubial  affection  he  breaks, 
And  the  golden-linked  bondage  of  Friendship  is  riven, 

As  the  shores  of  his  dear  native  France  he  forsakes. 
Behold  !  a  new  world  the  young  Hero  receives ! 

He  treads  in  a  region  wild,  lovely,  and  free. 
Where  Nature  'mid  fragrance  and  song  interweaves 

Her  forests  of  bloom  into  flowers  of  glee. — 


XL 


"  And  this,"  he  exclaims,  "  is  the  country  whose  charms, 

A  tyrant's  rude  fetter  would  mangle  and  mar ! 
Where  the  war-demon  howls  forth  his  chilling  alarms, 

And  the  death-vulture  hangs  o'er  his  slaughtering  car ) 
Columbia !  a  pilgrim  approaches  thy  shrine. 

The  offerings  he  brings  are  his  sword  and  his  blood ! 
0 !  make  him  thy  champion — his  life  shall  be  thine ! 

He  seeks  this  high  honour  o'er  Ocean's  dark  flood." 


THE   GREETING.  13 


XII. 

Lo!  the  beautiful  wood-nymph  of  Freedom  appears! 

Wreaths  of  blooming  magnolia  her  forehead  intwine, 
Around  her  an  evergreen  mantle  she  wears. 

And  her  eyes  with  effusions  of  tenderness  shine : 
Majestic  and  mild,  the  young  Hero  ^she  meets. 

And  accepts  his  devotion  with  smiles  of  delight;. 
His  heart  to  her  wishes  responsively  beats. 

And  she  points  where  her  votaries  sustain  the  dread  fight. 

XIII. 

Entranced  by  her  blessing  and  holy  embrace. 

His  soul  is  uplifted  on  pinions  of  flame. 
And,  as  flies  the  swift  steed  in  the  emulous  race. 

He  rushes  to  battle,  to  conquest,  and  fame. — 
Where  danger  and  carnage  bestride  the  red  plain. 

And  Death's  giant  arm,  through  the  dark  thundering  clouds. 
Drives  his  broad  lance  and  piles  up  his  mountains  of  slain^ 

The  whirlwind  of  conflict  our  Hero  enshrouds  I 


14  THE   UllEETlNG. 


XIV. 

As  in  the  Hornerian  battles  of  Troy 

A  Deity's  presence  enkindles  new  zeal, 
So  his,  through  pur  armies  breathed  transport  and  joy, 

Gave  might  to  their  sinews,  and  sharpened  their  steel. 
As  his  bosom  companion,  adviser,  and  friend. 

By  the  side  of  our  country's  great  Father  he  shone, 
Sought  his  own  with  that  Chieftain's  high  virtues  to  blend, 

And  was  lov'd  and  distinguished  as  Washington's  son  I 

XV. 

The  ray  of  his  hopes  no  reverses  could  dim, 

No  hardship  could  wither  the  strength  of  his  arm  j 
The  perils  of  war  had  no  terrors  for  him. 

And  his  soul  into  crime  no  seduction  could  charm. 
This  soldier  of  Freedom  did  more  than  e'er  Caesar  could  do. 

He  vanquished  the  Passions,  whose  terrible  breath 
Has  slaughtered  more  men  than  the  sword  ever  slew. 

And  form  in  themselves  the  great  armies  of  Death* 


THE  GREETING.  15 


XVI. 

As,  careering  along  his  high  orbit,  the  sun — 

In  beauty,  effVilgence,  and  grandeur  arrayed — 
Through  winter's  bleak  tempests  continues  to  run, 

Till  serene  in  the  heavens  his  glory's  displayed. 
And  his  trophies  of  conquest  unfold  their  rich  blooms; 

Thus  sublimely,  our  Hero,  through  Freedom's  dark  war, 
Pursues  his  bright  course  until,  scattering  the  glooms. 

He  beams  forth  in  triumph  her  joy-kindling  star  ! 

XVII. 

' Twas  here,  on  this  ground  by  our  country  revered. 

That  the  angel  of  victory  disclosed  to  his  eye. 
The  political  orbs*  which  in  splendour  appeared 

Where  now  we  behold  them  in  Liberty's  sky  : — 
'Twas  here,  through  his  counsel  and  valour  combined, 

Thecrest  of  Cornwallis  was  shorn  of  its  plumes, 
And  the  fetters  for  Freedom's  brave  patriots  designed. 

Were  rent  and  interred  in  his  myrmidons'  tombs. 

•  The  American  States. 


IV 


*t* 


If)  THE  GREETING. 


XVIIl. 

In  those  moments  of  transport  and  deathless  renown, 

When  the  head  of  the  Hydra  Oppression  was  crushed, 
When  Britannia  surrendered  the  pride  of  the  crown, 

And  her  Monarch  turned  pale  and  her  Senators  blushed — 
How  sublime  were  thy  feelings,  great  champion  of  right ! 

How  mature,  too,  the  honours  that  bloomed  round  thy  youth  1 
How  danced  through  thy  mind  in  pure  visions  of  liglit, 

The  prospective  advances  of  Virtue  and  Truth ! 

XIX. 

Let  tyrants,  whose  titles  to  reverence  and  fame 

Are  recorded  on  features  of  anguish  and  wo — 
In  the  traces  of  bloodshed,  of  ruin,  and  flame — 

In  hearts  that  are  broken — and  tears  that  still  flow — 
Regale  on  the  flatteries  of  courtiers  and  slaves. 

And  grow  drunk  with  the  shoutings  of  bipeds  in  chains; 
When  they  vanish  no  mourner  shall  weep  o'er  their  graves — 

And  no  dirge  to  their  manes  shall  pour  its  sad  strains. 


^ 
.* 


THE   GREETING.  17 


XX. 

While  the  curses  of  millions  their  memories  brand. 

And  empires  shall  shudder  and  blench  at  their  names; 
Thy  glory,  august  as  our  mountains,  will  stand. 

And  brilliant  and  pure  as  empyreal  flames : 
On  its  heaven-crowned  pillars  the  muses  enthroned. 

Through  cycles  of  ages  thy  praise  shall  resound; 
And  thy  virtues,  by  none  but  oppressors  disowned. 

There  inscribed,  shall  enlighten  the  nations  around. 

XXI. 

Thy  triumphs  exalt  and  ennoble  the  soul — 

They  exhibit  no  trophies  of  countries  laid  waste. 
No  banners  ensanguined  with  murder  unrol ; 

In  their  garlands  of  laurel  no  serpents  are  traced — 
The  homage  that  greets  thee  in  Freedom's  domain. 

Gushes  warm  and  spontaneous  from  fountains  of  joy ; 
And  no  sigh  wrung  by  tyranny  from  bosoms  of  pain. 

Its  flow  of  harmonious  delight  can  annoy. 


18  THE   GREETING. 


XXII. 

The  deeds  that  have  rendered  immortal  thy  name, 

In  accordance  with  Heaven's  muniBcent  plan, 
Have  made  it  their  lofty  unchangeable  aim 

To  augment  and  to  nurture  the  comforts  of  man : 
Hence,  great  patriot  of  nations!  thy  country's  wide  earth  ! 

Thou  art  loved  by  the  virtuous  of  every  clime — 
But  here,  to  this  land,  most  endeared  is  thy  worth — 

For  it  shares  most  the  proofs  of  thy  goodness  sublime- 

XXIII. 

Hence,  with  bosoms  o'erflowing  with  reverence  and  love, 

From  our  hills  and  our  vales,  from  our  villas  and  towns, 
With  the  rush  of  a  flood,  to  salute  thee,  we  move ; 

And  with  offerings  more  dear  than  the  homage  of  crowns, 
With  the  incense  of  Freedom's  pure  gratitude,  greet  thee. 

Exhaled  from  the  altars  divine  of  the  heart : 
And,  0  !  'tis  our  prayer  that  again  we  may  meet  thee 

In  regions  of  happiness  never  to  part ! — 


THE    GREETING.  19 


XXIV. 

Brave  sons  of  Virginia !  strong,  strong,  is  the  claim 

That  binds  your  affections  to  Liberty's  friend, 
Who,  when  dangers  assailed  you,  with  cheerfulness  came. 

Your  infancy,  parents,  and  homes,  to  defend; 
The  pleasures  and  luxuries  of  peace  and  of  wealth, 

With  gallant  devotion  to  virtue  and  right, 
He  resigned,  and,  exposing  life,  fortune,  and  health. 

Toiled  for  you  by  day,  and  watched  round  you  by  night. 

XXV. 

The  sleep  of  our  mothers  in  safety  to  guard. 

The  bosom  of  love,  and  warm  couches  of  down, 
He  relinquished,  for  lodgings,  cold,  shelterless,  hard, 

While,  serene  and  unmoved  by  adversity's  frown, 
He  taught  the  poor  soldier  to  smile  as  he  bled ! 

To  think  of  his  country,  as,  fainting  and  chill. 
His  limbs  were  unclothed,  and  he  hungered  for  bread, 

And  for  her  the  last  drop  of  his  life-blood  to  spill ! 


20  THE   GREETING. 


XXVI. 

What  transports  of  hallowed  remembrance  awake 

In  the  meeting  this  day  of  companions  in  war  ! 
Who  come  in  our  festal  delights  to  partake. 

All  honoured  with  age,  and  with  many  a  scar. — 
In  the  concourse  around  thee  SO  eagerly  pressing, 

Lafayette !  thou  behold'st  here  and  there  a  white  head, 
And  a  time  withered  hand  in  pursuit  of  thy  blessing — • 

Thou  meet'st  them  as  brothers  returned  from  the  dead  ! 

XXVII. 

Hoary  veterans  1  how  kindle  and  glow  through  your  veins 

The  chivalrous  fire  in  your  bosoms  inurned, 
As  again  ye  behold  these  illustrious  plains, 

Where  once  in  victorious  battle  it  burned  ! 
To  your  fancies'  rapt  vision  the  scene  re-appears, 

And  army  meets  army  in  awful  array ; 
Lo  !  the  boas-ting  invader  his  battlements  rears, 

And  his  engines  of  slaughter  their  terrors  display.— 


1^ 


THE   GREETING.  21 


XXVIII. 

The  phalanx  of  Freedom,  judicious  and  brave, 

Prepare  the  proud  foe  in  his  bulwarks  to  seize, 
To  compel  his  surrender,  or  make  them  his  grave  : 

The  tempest  is  lowering !  though  "  still  as  the  breeze" — 
It  thickens !  it  darkens  ! — The  war-god  is  there ! 

Hark  !  'tis  the  blast  of  his  trump — 'tis  the  roll  of  his  drums— 
That  thunders  his  voice — and  that  blaze  in  the  air 

Is  his  lightning— the  streams  of  his  rockets  and  bombs. 

XXIX. 

Great  Washington  breathes  his  high  soul  through  his  host, 

Lafayette  seems  clothed  with  the  spirit  of  Mars — 
Each  chieftain  maintains  like  a  Spartan  his  post. 

And  would  die  for  his  banner  of  eagle  and  stars. 
The  command  has  gone  forth — "The  intrenchments  assault !' 

Against  them  the  storm  in  its  violence  beats — 
The  cannon>peals  roll  through  the  welkin's  deep  vault, 

And  the  conflict's  enveloped  in  sulphurous  sheets. 


22  THE   GREETING. 


XXX. 

The  ramparts  are  yielding !  and  foemau  meets  foe, 

There  swords  fall  on  sword-arms,  and  bayonets  drink  blood  ; 
Here  chieftains  are  bleeding  and  soldiers  lie  low — 

But  behold  where  yon  warriors,  like  waves  in  a  flood, 
Commingle  in  all  the  fierce  vengeance  of  fight — 

What  hero  so  gallantly  bears  through  the  tide, 
And  leaves  in  his  wake  such  a  glorious  light — 

Like  a  war-ship  that  proudly  in  battle  doth  ride  r 

XXXI. 

He  is  Freedom's  young  champion,  fair  Gallia's  brave  son. 

And  now  in  the  enemy's  fortress  he  towers  ! — 
The  battle  is  o'er!   and  the  victory  is  won^ 

And  the  lordly  Cornwallis  to  Washington  cowers ! — 
From  lowland  to  highland — through  mountain  and  dell — 

Acclamations  of  triumph  and  rapture  resound. 
And  paeans  supernal  the  songs  of  the  jubilee  swell, 

Where  the  martyrs  of  Freedom  in  glory  are  crowned. — 


THE  GREETING.  23 


XXXII. 

Hark  !  how  roll  their  great  names  through  the  chorus  divine. 

Where  are  heard  in  their  sweetest  and  loftiest  tones. 
The  harps  of  the  heavenly  minstrels  who  shine 

In  the  splendour  of  highest  angelical  thrones ! 
And  the  names,  and  the  deeds,  of  th^  mighty  who  live 

In  the  smiles  of  the  land  they  have  honoured  and  saved, 
Their  meed  of  renown  the  celestial  melodies  give. 

And  Lafayette's  on  glory's  wide  arch  is  engraved. 

XXXIII. 

Descending  through  ether  on  pinions  of  snow. 

The  Angel  of  Peace  to  our  country  returns, 
Stripes  the  concave  of  blue  with  the  dies  of  her  bow, 

And  enshrines  here  in  separate  and  beautiful  urns, 
The  dust  of  the  warriors  who  fell  on  our  plains — 

Each  nation's  apart — ^yet  in  nearness  arranged — 
And  her  olive  tree  planting  to  shade  the  remains — 

Bids  it  flourish  and  bloom  there  through  ages  unchanged. 


24  THE   GREETING. 


XXXIV. 

She  waves  her  white  flag  and  two  figures  advance — 
The  elder  's  a  matron  commanding  and  proud  in  her  port — 

But  she  meets  with  confusion  the  maiden's  sweet  glance, 
And  her  cheek  seems  of  varied  passions  the  sport : — 

Her  head  wears  a  crown — but  its  splendour  is  dim — 
For  its  richest  and  loveliest  jewel  is  gone! 

On  her  arm  hangs  a  banner  whose  emblem,  so  grim. 

And  so  couchant,  was  lately  the  pride  of  a  throne. — 

XXXV. 

But  now  her  bold  lion  is  humbled  and  lorn — 

And  where  laurel  and  sea-weed  once  formed  his  proud  lair. 
He  is  stretched  on  a  bed  that 's  dismantled  and  torn. 

And  his  eje  is  despoiled  of  its  conquering  glare. 
The  younger — though  stately — is  modest  of  mien, 

And  we  know  by  her  costume  and  aspect  benign. 
That  in  her  loved  presence  before  we  have  been, 

And  that  she  is  Liberty's  guardian  divine! 


m 


THE  GREETING.  25 


XXXVI. 

In  her  fair  hand  a  wide-waving  standard  she  rears 
On  which  soars  an  eagle  with  eye  towards  the  sun. 

And,  encircled  with  clusters  of  glittering  spheres. 
He  bears  the  green  trophies  in  battle-fields  won. 


XXXVII. 

O'er  the  dust  of  their  heroes  the  Goddesses  stand  ! 

Britannia,  though  sorrowing,  wears  a  stern  brow, 
And  her  sighs  are  controlled  by  a  stoic  command  ; 

But  Columbia  her  head  on  her  bosom  doth  bow. 
While  her  tremulous  hands  towards  the  Heavens  she  spreads. 

And,  imbruing  with  tears  the  pure  snows  of  her  breast, 
O'er  the  slumbering  relics  her  blessings  she  sheds. 

And  implores  that  in  peace  her  dear  country  may  rest. 

4 


26  THE  GREETING. 


XXXVIII. 

The  moment  is  kind  to  the  views  of  their  friend — 

The  angelic  promoter  of  concord  and  love — 
They  are  touched  by  her  zeal,  and  their  heart-burnings  end, 

While  in  accents  as  soft  as  the  notes  of  the  dove — ' 
She  persuades  them  in  amity's  flowery  bands 

Again  to  unite — when,  behold,  they  embrace  ! 
And  social  relations  between  kindred  lands 

The  stains  of  unnatural  warfare  efface. — 

XXXIX. 

Having  burst  from  Oppression's  encumbering  thrall, 

A  prosperous  Republic  our  country  becomes, 
And  as  long  as  a  mountain  shall  rear  its  huge  wall. 

And  man  jto  the  storms  of  the  Ocean  succumbs ; 
While  the  advances  of  virtue  and  science  combined, 

The  blessings  that  wait  upon  Freedom  display. 
And  its  boundless  resources  reveal  to  the  mind. 

Her  sons  will  ne'er  bend  to  a  conqueror's  sway.— 


THE  GREETING.  27 


XL. 

Gallant  soldier  of  Freedom !  while  here  we  survey, 

With  this  remnant  of  veterans  who  shared  in  th  j  toils, 
The  happy  results  of  that  perilous  day 

When  the  vaunting  marauder  relinquish'd  his  spoils ; 
We  behold  in  thy  features  the  Sittings  of  gloom. 

Which  pass  like  successions  of  rack  o'er  the  sky : 
They  tell  that  thy  thoughts  then  are  down  in  the  tomb. 

Where  the  hallowed  remains  of  our  Washington  lie :— 

XLI. 

That  loved  faces,  endeared  by  the  tenderest  scenes, 
By  moments  of  danger,  of  anguish,  and  death. 

From  thy  view  the  dark  veil  of  eternity  screens  ; 

That  patriots,  whom,  called  by  the  bugle's  shrill  breath, 

Thou  hast  seen  with  impetuous  vehemence  rushing. 
Where  Slaughter's  huge  scythe  was  destructively  weepings 

And,  the  life-blood  of  thousands  in  torrents  was  gushing- 
No  w  low  in  the  grave's  gloomy  chambers  are  sleeping ! 


/ 


28  THE   GREETING. 


XLII. 

But,  oh !  let  us  not  at  their  absence  repine — 

For  their  slumbers  profound  are  deliciouslj  sweet  | 
Their  heads  on  their  country's  dear  bosom  recline, 

And  hosannas  of  Freedom  their  praises  repeat : 
And  may  we  not  cherish  the  exquisite  hope, 

That,  disbanding  from  service  these  bodies  of  clay, 
We  shall  soar  to  the  zenith  of  Heaven's  high  cope — 

And  explore  with  our  fathers  the  planets  of  day ! 

XLllI. 

Is  it  not,  noble  chieftain,  thy  soul's  dearest  thought, 

That  the  veterans  of  Freedom  who  bled  at  thy  side. 
Shall  be  happy  and  free  where  no  battles  are  fought — 

And  that  thou  shalt  be  with  them,  and  with  them  abide, 
Partaking  for  ever  their  freedom  and  bliss — 

Where  the  venom  of  Tyranny's  fang  is  unknown ; 
Where  his  serpents  at  virtues  like  thine  can  ne'er  hiss — 

And  no  dungeons  can  echo  with  misery's  groan  ! 


THE  GREETING.  29 


XLIV. 

Is  it  Fancy's  creation  that  kindles  this  glow, 

Which  catches  from  bosom  to  bosom  around? 
That  rolls  back  the  blood  with  such  hurried  flow. 

And  causes  the  heart  thus  to  flutter  and  bound !— ^ 
The  moment  is  solemn  !  the  silence  is  deep ! 

The  spirits  of  Heroes  from  Heaven  descend  ! 
They  come  not  with  the  death-angel's  terrible  sweep, 

But  unheard, and  unseen! — With  our  spirits  they  blend' 

XLV. 

Their  breath  is  benevolence — ^their  mission  benign— i- 

Lafayette,  and  Freedom,  and  this  sacred  Day, 
Bring  them  hither,  all  holy,  from  regions  divine, 

Where  odours  celestial  eternally  play.-^ 
These  are  themes  to  Religion  and  Heaven  endeared — 

For  this  land  is  the  Temple  of  Virtue — of  God  ! 
Here  His  creatures  are  loved— here  his  precepts  revered— 

And  His  power  is  not  mocked  by  proud  Tyranny's  nod  \ 


L 


30  THE  GREETING. 


XLVL 

Beatified  Fathers !  your  teal  is  not  lost— 

Your  example  through  life — your  dying  behests— 
The  boon  that  you  left  us — the  blood  that  it  cost — 

All,  all,  are  remembered — sink  deep  in  our  breasts — 
Whilst  we've  arms  that  can  strike,  and  our  bosoms  can  feel> 

Should  the  squadrons  of  despots  ere  blacken  our  seas— ^ 
Our  country's  free  shores  shall  be  pointed  with  steel — 

And  we'll  battle  for  Freedom  in  blood  to  our  knees  i 

XLVlt. 

To  your  holy  protection,  blest  shades  !  we  commend 

This  reverend  warrior— this  statesman  and  sage^ 
Your  early  associate  and  Liberty's  friend — 

Oh  !  give  him  elysian  delights  in  his  age  ! 
No  longer  let  breakers  and  tempests  impede 

The  flow  of  his  virtues : — through  sunshine  and  flowers 
The  course  of  his  life's  evening  pilgrimage  lead — 

Till  it  ends  in  Eternity's  Heavenly  bowers  ! 


THE   GREETING.  31 


XLVIII. 

Great  apostle  of  Freedom  !  though  brilliant  the  beam 

Which  plays  on  our  hearts  in  this  moment  of  joy — 
Yet  a  cloud  dims  the  light  of  the  beautiful  stream — 

And  its  shade  for  a  time  must  our  transports  annoy. 
Soon,  too  soon,  we  must  part !  and  the  eyes  that  now  gaze 

On  thy  venerable  form  with  ecstatic  delight. 
Will  behold  thee  no  more !  and  the  grandeur  and  blaze 

Of  our  greetings  wi^ll  vanish,  with  thee,  from  our  sight, 

XLIX. 

This  mighty  assemblage  must  break  and  diverge, 

And  thousands  here  met  on  this  consecrate  ground. 
Shall  ne'er  meet  again  till  their  bodies  emerge 

From  the  darkness  that  reigns  in  the  grave's  narrow  bound. 
But — all  brethren— they  live  in  the  land  they  love  best — 

Under  laws  and  a  government,  too,  of  their  own — 
Yes,  Lafayette  !  in  thy  beloved  l^nd  of  the  West — 

Unsoiled  by  the  reptiles  that  crawl  round  a  throne  i 


\ 


X 


32  THE   GREETING. 


L. 

If  thou  from  thy  less  favoured  France  could'st  return-^ 

And  dwell  here  with  spirits  congenial  to  thine — 
What  new — what  ineffable — raptures  would  burn. 

In  bosoms  that  distance  no  more  could  disjoin  ! 
To  know  that  with  thee  we  inhaled  the  same  air — 

That  with  thine,  too,  our  footsteps  impressed  the  same  land- 
And  that,  henceforth,  thy  life  should  our  happiness  share. 

Would  yield  us  more  pleasure  than  monarchs  command. 

LI. 

In  behalf  of  thy  darling  Columbia  we  plead, 

That  when  to  thy  vision  the  scenes  of  mortality  close, 
And  thy  soul  from  its  bonds  of  probation  is  freed, 

On  her  bosom  thy  mantle  may  fall  and  repose  !— 
As  pilgrims  their  sanctified  relics  adore. 

So  the  holy  deposit  our  hearts  would  revere — 
And  the  lovers  of  Freedom  from  every  shore. 

Would  bedew  and  embalm  it  with  many  a  tear. 


THE  GREETING.  33 


LII. 

But,  oh  !  there  are  feelings  we  would  not  invade — 
Pardon  our  zeal,  most  exalted,  most  sensitive  mind  ! 

Our  ardent,  our  anxious  petition  we've  made — 
Its  issue  to  thee — and  our  God — is  consigned. — 

We  must  part !  for  a  season,  at  least,  we  must  part- 
But,  where'er  from  our  country  thj  destiny  lead — 

O,  remember  !  the  pulse  of  a  Nation's  great  heart 

For  thy  welfare  will  throb — for  thy  welfare  would  bleed ! 

5 


WM^mmmw^^^mm^, 


A 

F  O  E  M, 

IN  TWO  CANTOS. 

Comjmsing  Sketches  of  the  Address  of  President  Adams  to 
General  Lafayette,  and  the  Generates  Reply. 


CANTO  I. 


I. 

ON  many  a  sleepless  eye  the  morning  rose 

That  ushered  in  the  eventful  day, 
Which  witnessed,  ere  its  melancholy  close, 

From  Freedom's  shores  her  Champion  borne  away  : 
A  mournful  strain  upon  the  early  breeze, 

In  unison  with  aching  hearts,  was  poured  ; 
And  prayers  from  hoary  men  on  bended  knees. 
From  suppliant  youth,  and  prostrate  beauty  soared- 
For  blessings  on  the  great  and  virtuous  man, 
Ere  yet  the  siin  his  radiant  course  began. — f 


38  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

II. 

Potomac's  kindred  cities  (1.)  roused  at  dawn. 

With  hpnours  due  to  grace  the  parting  scene, 
And  ere  the  illustrious  warrior  bad  withdrawn, 

Once  more  behold  his  venerated  mien. — 
Along  their  streets  no  sounds  of  mirth  were  heard. 

The  pomp  of  solemn  grief  alone  was  there  ; 
Its  influence  breathed  in  every  look  and  wot-d. 

And  brought  to  many  an  eye  the  trembling  tear  : 
The  gathering  crowd  proclaims  the  day's  advance. 
And  blending  sighs  the  painful  glooms  enhance. 

III. 

To  swell  the  tide  the  country  pours  its  waves, 

Lo  !  tender  woman  comes,  and  feeble  age. 
Gray-headed  veterans  tottering  o'er  their  graves, 

The  rich,  the  poor,  the  peasant,  and  the  sage — 
All  come  to  take  one  lingering,  parting  view 

Of  Freedom's  favourite — virtue's  noblest  friend ! 
To  tender  him  a  sad,  a  long  adieu, 

And  for  his  weal  their  prayers  in  concert  blend  : 
Spontaneous  homage  theirs  of  glowing  souls. 
Whose  free-born  power  no  tyrant  will  controls! 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  39 

IV. 

But  who,  of  all  this  anxious  mingling  throng. 

Before  him  shall  the  nation's  proxy  stand  ? 
To  whom  the  high  momentous  task  belong 

To  speak  to  him  the  feelings  of  the  land  ? 
Who  can  so  well  give  utterance  to  her  grief. 

Who  personate  Columbia's  self  so  well. 
As  her  Presiding  Son — her  Civic  Chief  ? 

He  feels  her  anguish,  and  her  love  can  tell : — 
With  tenderest  ardour  beaming  from  his  eyfes, 
Amid  the  silent  crowd,  behold  him  rise ! — 

V. 

His  hand  a  moment  on  his  heart  is  pressed 

To  calm  the  deep  emotions  labouring  there, 
And  now,  to  Freedom's  reverend  chief  addressed, 
His  soul  is  poured  in  accents  sweet  and  clear. 
Bright  samples  of  his  thoughts  the  Muse  would  give. 

But  how  can  she  their  glowing  charms  portray  ? 
Where  find  for  them  those  tints  that  ever  live. 
And  all  the  force  of  eloquence  display  ? 
Her  powers  though  feeble,  and  her  language  faint, 
She  thus  essays  his  ardent  thoughts  to  paint. 


40  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

VI. 

"  Not  mine,  to-daj,  exalted  chief!  the  joy, 

Which,  in  thy  glorious  triumph's  bright  career, 
Has  yielded  many  a  rapturous  tongue  employ 

When  called  to  greet  thee  with  their  country's  cheer} 
To  me  the  mournful  duty  now  pertains, 

Of  tendering  you  the  nation's  sad  farewell !" — 
Here  grief  a  moment  drowned  the  speaker's  strains. 

While  every  bosom  heayed  with  deepening  swell : 
Each  tongue  exclaimed — "  And  must — 0  must  we  part !" 
While  anguish  burst  in  sobs  from  every  heart. — 

VII. 

"  No  cause  obtains"- — the  orator  resumed — 

"  That  we  should  here  minutely  trace  each  deed 
That  in  thy  early  wreaths  of  glory  bloomed — 

They  shine  around,  and  "  he  that  runs  may  read.^' 
Deep-founded  as  the  base  of  Freedom's  dome, 
And  round  its  vast  magnific  pillars  twined, 
Thy  fame,  outvying  that  of  Greece  or  Rome, 
Shall  flourish  here  perennial  as  the  mind ! 
Shall  splendours  here  unfold  through  every  age, 
Sublime  as  e'er  adorned  the  classic  page. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  41 

VIII. 

"  When  Pleasure's  brightest  lures  around  thee  pressed. 

And  wealth,  and  youth,  and  titled  rank,  conspired 
To  yield  their  potent  charms  augmented  zest, 

A  holier  cause  thy  generous  bosom  fired — 
The  cause  of  Freedom  in  a  foreign  land  ! 

For  this,  from  courtly  pomp,  and  home's  loved  charms, 
From  scenes  entwined  by  childhood's  flowery  band. 

And  from  a  blooming  wife's  enrapturing  arms  ! 
Thy  spirit  bore  thee,  ere  thy  manhood's  prime, 
To  aid  our  fathers  in  this  distant  clime. 

IX. 

"  No  wild  delusive  hopes — no  sordid  aim — 

Thy  gallant,  calm,  reflecting  soul,  impelled; 
Its  patient  zeal  was  fed  by  virtue's  flame, 

Which  through  conflicting  storms  her  powers  upheld— 
That  flame  no  glooms  e'er  damped,  no  perils  quenched  : 

When  Death's  dark  banner  waved  o'er  fields  of  blood. 
And  veteran  hosts  before  his  vengeance  blenched, 

Its  radiance  streamed  along  the  battle  flood, 

And,  lighting  thee  to  victory's  honoured  goal. 

Consigned  thy  name  to  glory's  deathless  roll. 

6 


42  THE  VALEDICTORY. 


X. 

"  And  now,  since  years  on  years  have  passed  awayi 

And  man — in  childhood  then — is  white  with  time; 
The  deeds  that  crowned  with  fame  thy  early  day, 

For  loftiest  wisdom  are  not  less  sublime, 
Than  for  the  grandeur  of  their  generous  zeal: 

The  joyful  plaudits  of  a  nation's  voice 
Proclaim  the  gratitude  that  millions  feel. 

For  that,  thy  almost  more  than  human  choice, 

Which  turned  the  scale  of  thy  exalted  mind, 
Against  such  weight,  in  favour  of  mankind. 

XI. 

«  When  Freedom's  battles  here  were  fought  and  won, 

And  laurels  hung  upon  thy  conquering  brow. 
Thy  work  of  glory  had  but  just  begun, 

For  thou  wert  still  fair  Gallia's  faithful  son ! 
From  this  thy  honoured  and  adopted  land. 

By  thine  and  our  brave  Fathers'  valour  freed, 
Thou  didst  return  at  duty's  high  command. 
To  honour  France  with  many  a  noble  deed  ; 
Aa&t  in  the  sternest  ordeal,  there  to  test. 
The  virtues  that  inspired  thy  patriot  breast. — 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  48 

XII. 

"  While  years  on  years  in  long  succession  rolled, 

There,  through  capricious  Fortune's  frowns  and  smiles. 
Through  scenes  that  made  the  bravest  blood  run  cold; 

In  triumph's  hour,  exposed  to  courtly  wiles, 
In  all  the  eventful  scenes  of  war  and  death, 

AVhen  Revolution's  wildest  rage  prevailed. 
And  swept  the  land  with  flames  and  whirlwind  breath ; 
Thy  towering  soul,  with  strength  that  never  failed. 
Soared  on  her  heaven-ward  way  thro'  sun  and  cloud. 
Nor  once  from  its  high  course  her  pinion  bowed. 

XIII. 

"  Whilst  thou,  with  all  a  martyr's  sleepless  zeal, 

Throughout  that  long  career  of  changeful  time, 
Wert  nobly  struggling  for  thy  country's  weal ; 

A  favouring  auspice  ruled  Columbia's  clime  : 
Her  sons,  with  whom,  in  Danger's  bloodiest  hour. 

Thy  prayers,  thy  fortunes,  and  thy  life  were  joined 
To  break  the  shackles  of  tyrannic  power. 

And  pour  the  light  of  Freedom  o'er  the  mind .' 
Were  reaping  here  the  harvests  of  thy  toil, 
And  planting  Freedom's  fruits  in  Freedom's  soil. 


44  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XIV. 

"  Comporting  with  its  more  than  golden  cost, 

A  nation  here,  of  happiest  structure,  rose, 
Whose  spreading  bounds,  in  mighty  distance  lost, 

A  vast  asylum  form  for  human  woes  ; — 
Whose  strength,  increasing  with  increasing  age, 

Not  all  th'  imperial  hosts  of  earth  can  shake ; 
Whose  worth  shall  stand  approved  on  History's  page 

While  virtue's  self  can  virtuous  feelings  wake; 
Whose  lofty  and  unvarying  aim  shall  be. 
To  make  its  millions  happy,  wise,  and  free. 

XV. 

"  Of  those  with  whom  thou  sufieredst  here  and  bled. 

Our  country's.  Freedom's,  little  gallant  band ! 
The  larger  portion  mingle  \yith  the  dead. 

While  near  their  graves  the  living  remnant  stand : 
All,  all,  those  chieftains  whose  embattled  breasts. 

With  thine,  stood  firm  in  war's  terrific  van. 
Have  laid  in  dust  their  bright — their  conquering  crests 

E'en  he,  the  Chief  of  Chiefs,  that  god-like  man — 
Our  Washington  1  now  sleeps  in  Vernon's  tomb — 
But  Glory's  beams  their  laurelled  graves  illume ! 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  45 

XVI. 

"  Those  council-sages,  too,  whose  wisdom  shone. 

As  Heaven's  high  radiance,  pure  and  bright ; 
Whose  thunders  from  our  senates  jarred  the  throne 
Of  England's  king,  and  tyrants  shook  with  fright ; 
All  with  their  slumbering  fathers  now  repose, 

Save,  scattered  here  and  there,  a  lingering  few. 
Whose  honoured  heads  are  wreathed  with  gathered  snows. 
Whose  hearts  now  breathe  to  thee  a  last  adieu ! 
Once  more  on  earth  by  thy  loved  presence  blessed. 
They  feel  prepared  for  their  eternal  rest. — 

XVII. 

"  The  places  where  those  sleeping  patriots  dwelt, 

Their  children,  and  their  children's  offspring,  fill ; 
These  bow  at  shrines  round  which  their  fathers  knelt. 

And  where  their  fathers  bled,  their  blood  would  spill. 
When  we  impassioned  benedictions  breathe 

Upon  the  memories  of  our  martyred  sires. 
Fresh  garlands  round  their  trophied  statues  wreathe* 

And  o'er  their  urns  relume  the  votive  fires ; 
Thy  consecrated  name,  conjoined  with  theirs, 
Our  gratitude-i-our  deep  devotion  shares. — 


46  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XVIII. 

"  That  here  a  nation's  love  embalms  thy  fame. 

And  millions  thy  exalted  worth  revere. 
Behold  evinced  in  their  recorded  claim  (2) 

To  invite  their  generous  benefactor  here  I 
A  grateful,  young,  enthusiastic  race, 

On  Freedom's  rich  enjoyments  fed, 
All  yearned  to  gaze  upon  the  reverend  face 

Of  him  whose  youthful  blood  for  them  was  shed  ; 
Whose  lofty  virtues  brought  him  from  afar. 
To  triumph,  or  to  die,  in  Freedom's  war. 

XIX. 

"  To  thee,  in  their  imploring  country's  name, 

By  one  to  Liberty  and  thee  endeared,  (3) 
Who  had  for  her  withstood  the  battle's  flame, 

And  by  his  deeds  her  fainting  votaries  cheered — 
Whence  he  the  nation's  highest  honours  wore — 
This  people's  chartered  wishes  were  conveyed. 
Affection's  guileless  seal  the  message  bore, 
And  on  thy  heart  the  expected  impress  made  ; 
For  soon,  in  kind  accord  with  its  request, 
Thy  h^d  was  pillowed  on  Columbia's  breast. — 


THE  VALEDICTOkV.  47 


XX. 

"  Thj  presence  filled  the  exulting  land  with  joy. 

Through  all  its  peopled  regions  rapture  ran ; 
To  every  tongue  thy  praises  gave  employ — 

The  nation  shouted — '  Hail,  thou  matchless  man  I' 
Scar-honoured  veterans,  worn  and  bowed  with  age, 

Partakers  of  thy  sufferings  and  thy  toil. 
Who  had  with  thee  once  trod  th'  ensanguined  stage* 
And  shared  with  thee  in  victory's  glotious  spoil. 
Went  forth  to  meet  their  brother  and  their  friend — 
And  with  his  own  their  tears  and  transports  blend. 

XXI. 

"  The  youthful  sons  and  daughters  of  the  land 

To  whom  thy  honoured  person  was  unknown. 
Felt  their  warm  hearts  with  ecstacy  expand. 

Whilst  in  their  eyes  sublimest  feelings  shone--- 
As  they  the  rapture-kindling  tidings  learned 

That  thou  wert  on  their  country's  happy  shores 
While  that  for  which  their  bosoms  long  had  burned— 

To  spread  their  gratitude's  exhaustless  stores 
Before  the  noblest  champion  of  mankind — 
Was  now  the  joyful  task  to  them  assigned. — 


48  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXII. 

'•  A  Father's  greeting — when  from  journeying  long 

In  foreign  climes,  through  perils  dark  and  dire, 
He  meets  again  the  dear  domestic  throng 

Who  spread  the  feast,  and  tune  the  rapturous  Ijre  ;- 
With  smiles  and  open  arms  around  him  press, 

With  melting  looks  gaze  on  his  altered  form, 
And  gladden  him  with  many  a  fond  caress ; 

A  Father's  greeting  thus  sincere  and  warm — 
Thus  flowing  unconstrained  from  hearts  benign — 
My  country's,  Freedom's  reverend  friend  !  was  thine. 

XXIII. 

"  Not  thine  the  fleeting  triumph  of  an  hour. 

It  filled  the  compass  of  the  rolling  year  ! 
Throughout  the  land,  in  hall  and  festive  bower, 

Where  solemn  fanes  their  sounding  arches  rear, 
Where  pleasure  and  the  jocund  dance  obtain. 

And  wit,  and  song,  and  gayety  preside ; 
From  farthest  mountain  height  to  lowland  plain, 

In  cities  vast,  where  rolls  the  living  tide. 
And  through  the  scattered  peasants'  rural  grounds, 
Thy  triumph's  gratulating  strain  resounds. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  49 

XXIV. 

"  Not  thine  the  oppressive  conqueror's  withering  march, 

Whose  gore-stained  chariot  drags  his  loitering  show; 
For  thee  the  hands  of  Freemen  raise  the  laurelled  arch, 

And  o'er  thy  path  their  flowery  offerings  strow  : 
The  voice  that  on  our  shores  thy  landing  hailed, 

Through  all  the  circle  of  thy  wide  career. 
In  liveliest  notes  of  deepening  joy,  prevailed, — 
A  nation's  voice  spontaneous  and  sincere  ! 
Whose  pealing  transports  in  their  vast  embrace. 
Comprise  the  present,  past,  and  future  race  ! 

XXV. 

**  Too  soon,  alas !  the  light  thy  presence  sheds 

Will  cease  to  pour  its  cheering  splendours  here, 
For,  lo  !  this  gathering  crowd  that  round  us  spreads 

Proclaims,  loved  Chief!  our  parting  moment  near; 
That,  drawn  by  strong  affection's  kindred  ties. 

Thou  soon  again  wilt  brave  the  billowy  deep. 
Returning  hence  to  where  thy  native  skies 

O'erarch  the  graves  iu  which  thy  fathers  sleep, 
And  bend  their  fragrant  canopy  around 
The  scenes  to  which  thy  tenderest  hopes  are  bound. 


50  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXVI. 

**To  Him  whose  voice  the  winds  and  seas  obey, 

The  hearts  of  millions  will  in  prayers  arise, 
That  He  may  bless  thy  journey's  dangerous  way 

With  prospering  breezes  and  propitious  skies ; 
And  yield  thee  back  to  thy  beloved  La  Grange 

Affection's  dearest  transports  there  to  find  : 
That,  happy  in  the  sweetest  interchange 

Of  kindred  feeling,  and  congenial  mind. 
Thou  freely  mayest  partake  enjoyments  there 
Intense  as  those  thy  visit  kindled  here. 

XXVII. 

"  Go,  then,  since  thus  unyielding  Fates  decree — 

Return  to  Gallia's  rich  and  blooming  clime — 
The  land  of  genius  and  of  chivalry ! 

Renowned  for  generous  thought  and  deeds  sublime ; 
Adorned  by  many  a  high  and  princely  name, 

In  whose  resplendent  and  illustrious  line. 
None  ranks  more  nobly  on  the  rolls  of  fame 

Columbia's,  Freedom's  friend  !  than  thine. 
Along  the  dusky  track  of  ages  past 
Its  trophied  monuments  their  radiance  cast. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  51 

XXVIII. 

"  Thy  honours,  burnished  into  brighter  glow, 

Henceforth  her  proudest  annals  shall  illume ; 
And  should  a  stranger  e'er  desire  to  know 

What  name  around  her  twines  the  fairest  bloom. 
And  call  upon  a  son  of  France  to  say 

Who  best  among  her  worthies  of  his  age. 
Doth  in  his  own  her  character  display; 

He  '11  point  to  thy  bright  name  on  glory's  page. 
While  patriot  blood  shall  mantle  in  his  cheek, 
And  virtuous  pride  his  beaming  eye  bespeak. 

XXIX. 

"  And  we,  too,  love  to  claim  thee  as  our  own — ■ 

Thou  art  to  us  and  to  our  children  bound 
By  ties  whose  strength,  when  centuries  have  flown, 

Shall  still  in  undiminished  force  be  found. 
As  ours  we  claim  thee  by  that  matchless  zeal 

Whose  more  than  patriot  fire  thy  arm  impelled 
To  wield  in  our  behalf  thy  conquering  steel. 

When  carnage  here  its  gory  orgies  held. 
And  at  the  awful  crisis  of  her  doom 
Our  country  was  involved  in  darkest  gloom. 


52  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXX. 

"  And  by  that  ligament  of  love  which  binds 

Tn  union  stronger  than  the  powers  of  death. 
Freedom's  exalted  and  congenial  minds, 

And  braves  uninjured  Time's  corrosive  breath; 
"Which  intertwines  in  ever-during  fame 

With  that  of  our  immortal  Washington, 
Thy  brilliant,  pure,  and  consecrated  name. 

Illustrious  man  !  we  claim  thee  as  our  own  ! — 
By  these — and  all  the  soul's  most  holy  ties — 
We  love  thee  with  a  love  that  never  dies  ! 

XXXI. 

"  Although  with  aching  heart  and  trembling  hands, 

We  take  the  bitter  cup  that  fate  extends. 
And  mourn  that  we  must  bow  at  those  commands 

Whose  fiat  severs  Freedom's  dearest  friends ; 
Yet  o'er  that  cup  there  shines  a  cheering  beam. 

And,  mingled  with  its  dark  and  chilling  wave. 
We  taste  delicious  comfort's  soothing  stream, 

Whose  joyful  influence  shall  our  bosoms  save 
From  hopeless  grief — depression's  gloomiest  power- 
E'en  in  the  crisis  of  our  parting  hour  ! 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  53 

XXXII. 

"  We  know  that  in  whatever  clime  thou  art. 

Loved  Chief !  our  country  and  our  country's  weal 
Will  share  the  warm  affections  of  thy  heart. 

Until  that  generous  heart  shall  cease  to  feel ; 
And  we  the  enrapturing  hope  indulge,  kind  friend  ! 

That  here  again  our  joyful  souls  with  thine, 
On  Freedom's  themes,  in  converse  sweet  shall  blend, 

While  tranquil  here  thy  evening  glories  shine,  \ 

Diffusing  round  Columbia's  hemisphere, 
Their  radiant  light  through  many  a  happy  year. 

XXXIII. 

"  And  now,  the  organ  of  my  country's  will, 

But  wanting  powers  of  language  to  impart 
The  feelings  that  her  myriad  bosoms  thrill — 

As  though  they  centred  in  one  mighty  heart — 
Their  love  so  ardent,  uniform,  and  true, 

So  deep  their  sorrow,  on  this  painful  day ; 
I  bid  thee,  in  ray  country's  name,  adieu  ! — 

With  feelings  that  our  tears  can  best  convey — 
That  silent  eloquence  alone  can  tell — 
I  tender  thee  a  nation's  fond  farewell !" 


WM.^mmE^wmm'w, 


CANTO  n. 


I, 

Here,  in  reply,  the  reverend  Chieftain  rose, 

And  uttered  thus  the  emotions  of  his  breast :— ^ 
"  'Mid  all  the  kindness  that  around  rae  flows — 

The  blessings  I  enjoy  as  Freedom's  guest — 
And  tokens  of  a  nation's  generous  love, 

To  me,  through  you,  her  civic  Chieftain,  shown ; 
Most  ardently  my  bosom  glows  to  prove 

The  gratitude  its  deep  sensations  own  ; 
And,  for  this  fair  occasion  kindly  given 
To  speak  its  feelings,  breathes  its  thanks  to  Heaven. 


56  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

II. 

"  To  have,  in  their  precarious,  tender  age, 

Been  cherished  and  adopted  by  these  States 
As  their  own  Son,  and  when  the  deadly  rage 

That  on  the  march  of  furious  War  awaits. 
Around  them  poured  its  desolating  ire ; 

To  have,  beneath  their  hallowed  banners,  stood, 
And  toiled  to  guard  the  spark  of  Freedom's  fire — 

Which  tyrants  aimed  to  quench  in  patriot  blood  ; 
Of  all  my  thoughts  embalmed  in  memory's  shrine. 
These  are,  to  me,  among  the  most  divine  ! 

III. 

"  Thus,  in  the  cause  of  Liberty  and  Right, 

Your  fathers'  deathless  honours  to  have  shared  ; 
With  them,  when  Freedom's  temple  crowned  with  light, 

In  this  fair  land  by  gallant  hands  was  reared, 
To  have  partaken  in  their  glorious  toil, 

And,  while  the  splendour  of  her  towering  fane 
Makes  distant  tyrants  from  her  powers  recoil. 

And  threatens  to  subdue  their  iron  reign. 
To  feel  myself  the  joy  her  smiles  impart. 
Pours  tides  of  transport  through  my  swelling  heart. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  57 

IV. 

"  To  view  the  high  exemplar  founded  here 

Of  Social  Okder  spreading  wide  its  power, 
And  Error's  mouldering  fabrics  disappear 

From  realms  where  centuries  gone  had  seen  them  lower ; 
While  honoured  for  the  humble  aid  I'd  given 

To  bring  around  that  happy  change  of  things 
By  which  despotic  manacles  were  riven. 

And  guilt  exposed  that  from  oppression  springs  ; 
Have  formed,  in  scenes  of  darkness  and  of  strife. 
My  comfort  through  a  long  eventful  life. 

V. 

"But  where  can  I  sijch  glowing  language  find 

As  would  in  their  appropriate  tints  portray. 
The  welcomes  here,  affectionate  and  kind. 

The  splendid  and  magnificent  display. 
And  all  the  proofs  that  generous  hearts  can  show 

Of  boundless  kindness  and  attachment  strong, 
That  poured  around  me  in  continuous  flow, 

'Mid  rural  scenes,  and  in  the  city's  throng. 
Through  each  bright  moment  of  the  glorious  year 

Which  closed  my  recent  journey's  proud  career? 

8 


58  THE  VAIiEDICTORY. 


VI. 

"  How  shall  my  soul  her  grateful  feelings  own 

To  all  the  millions  of  this  prosperous  land. 
For  countless  honours  thus  benignly  shown? 

What  vivid  force  of  words  can  I  command 
To  paint  the  ardent  thanks  that  swell  my  breast, 

For  favours  high — munificence  supreme — 
By  which  Columbia's  councils  have  expressed. 

Towards  me,  intense  affection  and  esteem. 
While  this  whole  people,  with  approving  voice, 
At  these  distinguished  kindnesses  rejoice  ? 

VII. 

"  But  pleasures  more  enrapturing  still  were  mine! 

Wherever  my  delightful  journey  led 
The  most  exuberant  proofs  of  power  divine 

Around  me  their  sublime  enchantments  spread ; 
And  Culture,  guided  by  enlightened  Art, 

To  Nature^s  rich  magnific  beauties  gave 
That  fruitful  influence  which  its  smiles  impart, 

Where  Science  shines,  and  Freedom's  banners  wave 
The  wilderness  had  changed  to  fields  of  bloom. 
And  light  supplied  the  place  of  vanished  gloom. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  59 

VIII. 

"Unrivalled  happiness  on  every  hand, 

Dependant  on  the  people's  sovereign  will ; 
Prosperity  o'erspreading  all  the  land — 

Unnumbered  breasts  prepared  their  blood  to  spill, 
Ere  tyrants  hence  should  wrest  a  single  right ; 

Harmonious  order  in  the  social  plan — 
Good  sense,  and  all  the  virtues  that  unite 
To  dignify  the  character  of  man, 
And  guide  him  safely  o'er  life's  stormy  tide — 
My  eye  entranced,  my  bosom  thrilled  with  pride. 

IX. 

"In  these  transcendent  blessings  I  surveyed 

The  grand  results  of  principles  sublime, 
For  which  the  patriot  here  unsheathed  his  blade, 

And  fought,  and  toiled,  in  danger's  darkest  time; 
Of  principles  whose  hallowed  charter  came 

From  God's  own  hand,  when  he  on  man  impressed 
His  sacred  image,  and  infused  the  idame 

Of  quenchless  life  through  his  exalted  breast ; 
Which  guard  with  equal  care  the  poor  man's  right ; 
And  his  whose  name  is  clotlied  with  splendid  might. 


60  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

X. 

"  And  in  these  blessings  proudly  I  behold 

Exemplified,  with  most  conclusive  force, 
With  all  the  power  existing  facts  unfold— 

And  lights  that  stream  from  Truth's  refulgent  source- 
The  high  pre-eminence  which  Freedom  bears, 

In  all  that's  virtuous,  beautiful,  and  great. 
O'er  aught  that  dire  Oppression's  impress  wears, 

Whate'er  the  name  in  which  it  grinds  a  state — 
In  which  it  stamps  its  ignominious  brand. 
Upon  a  prostrate  and  degraded  land. — 

XL 

"  The  base  on  which  these  cheering  prospects  rest — 

On  which  this  vast  Republic  stands  secure — 
Though  tempests  may  her  fortresses  molest. 

And  siren  blandishments  her  sons  allure, 
Is  UNION  OF  THKSE  STATES.     This  is  the  rock 

Whose  giant  power  can  every  danger  brave, 
And  crush  its.  foes  in  their  own  reckless  shock 

Until  their  race  is  whelmed  in  Ruin's  grave. 
To  guard  this  Union,  then,  with  vestal  zeal. 
Behooves  the  friends  of  truth  and  human  weal. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  61 

XII. 

"  To  cherish  it  with  never  slumbering  care — 

And  its  assailants  spurn  as  Freedom's  foes — 
To  us — was  our  great  Father's  farewell  prajer; 
And  when  the  dying  patriot's  life-blood  flows 
On  fields  where  hosts  for  Liberty  expire ; 

Or,  when  on  beds  of  peaceful  down  he  lies — 
That  latest  times  may  find  it  still  entire, 
He  pleads,  in  his  last  supplicating  sighs ; 
While  fettered  regions,  in  this  Union,  see 
The  pledge  of  hopes  that  they  shall  yet  be  free ! 

XIII. 

*'  But  how,  my  loved  and  valued  friend !  shall  I 

Evince  the  grateful  sentiments  I  feel, 
For  your  avowed  regards  and  favours  high. 

Displayed  with  all  a  brother's  glowing  zeal — 
Your  kind  allusions  to  those  hallowed  days. 

And  brethren,  whose  remembrance  melts  my  soul ! 
To  my  eventful  journey's  checkered  ways 

Since  first  my  eye  was  fixed  on  Freedom's  goal; 
And  for  your  thrilling  glance  at  those  delights 
Which,  in  this  land,  have  crowned  my  days  and  nights  ? 


62  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XIV. 

«  And  where  in  all  her  rich  and  brilliant  stores, 

Can  eloquence  such  bright  expressions  yield-— 
Or  fancy,  that  on  seraph  pinions  soars, 

Such  colours  find  in  her  ethereal  field, 
As  can  the  feelings  paint  that  warm  my  heart. 

Enkindled  by  your  strong  pathetic  view 
Of  this  afflicting  hour,  when  I  must  part 

From  scenes  endeared,  and  bid  these  shores  adieu- 
That  from  your  tender  references  spring 
And  sheathe  the  point  of  sorrow's  sting  ? 

XV. 
"  Of  these,  none  more  commanding  claims  advance 

To  my  regards,  than  that  which  kindly  turned 
On  climes  most  dear  to  me — my  native  France ! 

Where  still  the  fires  of  Freedom  are  inurned — 
Where  deep  and  liveliest  sympathies  abound 

With  all  the  fortunes  of  this  prosperous  land, 
And  numerous  brave  and  patriot  breasts  are  found 
Prepared  the  march  of  despots  to  withstand  ; 
To  form  a  bulwark  round  Truth's  sacr6d  shrine 
And  in  her  cause  their  gallant  lives  resign. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  63 

XVI. 

"  Deep,  deep  the  impression  in  my  bosom  made 

By  your  remarks,  so  touchingly  addressed 
To  hopes  that  death— death  only  can  invade — 

To  hopes,  the  dearest  solace  of  my  breast. 
That  I  once  more  your  country  shall  behold. 

0 !  here,  where  honoured  as  a  favoured  son, 
I've  long  among  her  veterans  been  enrolled, 

May  I J  beside  our  Father  Washington, 
When  all  my  toils  and  earthly  duties  close. 
Lay  down  this  wearied  body  to  repose ! 

XVII. 

**  Suffice  it  now  my  feelings  to  declare, 

As  best  in  this  sad  hour  I  briefly  may. 
That,  were  my  heart  to  your  inspection  bare, 

The  glowing  sentiments  it  would  display 
Concurrent  with  the  effusions  from  it  poured 

Throughout  my  recent  glorious  jubilee, 
To  these  a  solemn  sanction  would  afibrd ; 

For  these,  in  all  their  strength  and  fervency. 
'Twill  be  my  pride,  my  joy,  to  ratify. 
Until  my  bosom  heaves  its  latest  sigh. 


64  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XVIII. 

"  On  you,  in  whom,  e'en  from  your  boyhood's  hour, 

I've  found  a  kind  and  meritorious  friend. 
May  Heaven  its  choicest  benedictions  shower  ! 

And  on  this  Nation  may  its  smiles  descend  ! 
That  she  may  grow  in  grandeur  and  in  might. 

And  happiness  through  all  her  borders  reign — 
That  virtue  here,  and  wisdom,  may  unite 

To  consecrate  her  beautiful  domain, 
And  bless  her  with  the  Almighty's  holy  care, 
Shall  be  my  constant  and  my  dying  prayer !" 

XIX. 
Here  closed  our  veteran  Guest's  sublime  reply. 

And  through  the  crowd  the  deep  contagion  ran 
Which  told  the  solemn  moment  now  was  nish. 

When  they  must  part  from  that  exalted  man  : 
The  heart -born  tear  rolls  down  his  reverend  face, 

And  his  majestic  bosom  heaves  with  grief 
While  he  enfolds  in  his  revered  embrace — 

His  sorrowing  friend — Columbia's  honoured  chief— 
And  once  again,  ere  yet  he  leaves  these  shores, 
For  us  God's  blessings  fervently  implores. — 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  65 

XX. 

Those  martial  ranks — that  music's  plaintive  strains-^ 
Yon  grave  procession's  melancholy  march — 

Those  silent  thousands  covering  hills  and  plains— 
And  solemn  peals  that  shake  the  ethereal  arch — 

The  Hero's  deeply-mourned  departure  tell — 
To  him  the  Nation's  parting  homage  pay: 

And,  lo !  to  her  he  bows  a  long  farewell, 
And  down  Potomac's  tide  is  borne  away  ! 
While  o'er  her  Capitol,  with  lingering  eye. 
And  throbbing  breast,  he  views  her  banners  fly, 
XXI. 

But  honours  still  the  chieftain's  course  attend- 
Along  yon  wharves  behold  the  mingling  crouds- 
See  where  those  closely  peopled  masts  ascend — 
Behold  those  clustered  decks  and  spars  and  shrouds ! 

Her  population  there — her  aged  and  young — 
Both  sons  and  daughters — ^Alexandria  pours; 

There,  breathed  from  many  a  flowing  heart  and  tongue, 

In  prayer  to  Heaven,  her  farewell  incense  soars-r— 

In  prayers  that  blessings,  deathless  and  divine. 

May  round  his  heart  their  balmy  wreaths  entwine. 

9 


66  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXII. 

Lo  !  yonder  groups  of  free-born  peasantry— 

Who,  e'en  in  childhood,  learned  the  names  to  bless 
Of  those  who  bled  to  make  their  country  free — 
Along  Potomac's  honoured  stream  they  press, 
To  yield  the  tribute  of  their  guileless  hearts 

To  Gallia's  chief,  ere  from  Columbia's  shore. 
Upon  the  deep,  his  reverend  form  departs : 
And  they,  too,  Heaven's  protecting  powers  implore, 
To  guard  him  safely  o'er  the  dangerous  main. 
And  waft  him  to  his  native  France  again. 
XXIII. 
Now,  silent  on  the  deck  the  Hero  stands  ! 

An  awful  paleness  wraps  his  mournful  face ; 
Upon  his  breast  he  folds  his  trembling  hands. 

While  grief  marks  on  his  brow  her  saddest  trace. 
How  pores  his  eye,  in  tenderest  agony, 

Where  yonder  verdant  height  o'erlooks  the  wave ! 
That  spot,  enshrined  in  holiest  sanctity. 

Is  Freedom's  altar — Vernon's  hallowed  grave  ! 
There  on  his  memory  solemn  visions  rise — 
And  vanished  scenes  endeared  by  Friendship's  ties. 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  67 

XXIV. 

That  form,  serene,  majestic,  and  sublime, 
Which  oft  in  all  its  glory  he  'd  beheld, 
When  battle-tempests  darkened  Freedom's  clime, 

Triumphing  where  their  direst  vengeance  swelled  ; 
That  form  which  often,  too,  in  peaceful  guise, 

'Mid  Vernon's  shades  in  happier  days  he  'd  seen, 
Before  his  thrilling  Fancy  seems  to  rise. 
And  there,  with  radiant  and  supernal  mien. 
Himself,  in  well -remembered  tones,  to  greet. 
And,  pointing  Heaven-ward,  breathe, "  We  there  shall  meet !'' 

XXV. 

Now  evening  spreads  her  dusky  mantle  round. 

And  shrouds  the  scene  in  sympathetic  gloom  ; 
A  deeper  grandeur  clothes  the  sacred  ground 

Where  angels  hover  near  yon  honoured  tomb. 
Still  there  the  Hero's  aching  eye  is  cast 

Till  gathering  darkness  dims  the  mournful  view:'— 
But  now  his  lingering  farewell  gaze  is  past, 

That  sigh  proclaims  his  heart's  profound  adieu  ! 
While  sorrow  felt  by  none  but  loftiest  souls. 
In  silence  through  his  reverend  bosom  rolls. 


68  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXVI. 

The  billow-cleaving  engine  plies  its  power— ^ 

Mount  Vernon's  consecrated  grave  recedes; 
Night's  gloomiest  spirits  rule  the  solemn  hour- 
Ascend  her  car,  and  loose  her  sable  steeds  ; 
Hark !  floating  from  those  melancholy  clouds,  (4) 

Is  heard  their  plaintive  and  condoling  wail  I 
The  pall  of  grief  all  heaven  and  earth  enshrouds— 
Potomac  murmurs  on  the  sweeping  gale 
As  though  her  heaving,  dark,  and  troubled  waves, 
To  mourn  with  him,  had  left  their  liquid  caves. — 

XXVII. 

Profound  abstraction  wraps  the  Hero's  mind» 

And  on  that  tomb  revered  his  thoughts  converge ; 
While  on  his  couch  in  solitude  reclined. 

His  head  is  pillowed  o'er  the  bounding  surge. 
In  visions  solemn,  glorious  and  sublime. 

His  bosom's  painful  glooms  dissolve  away — 
His  eye  pervades  the  depths  of  future  time. 

And  sees  the  world  enjoying  Freedom's  sway ; 
While,  in  communion  with  her  patriot  dead, 
He  feels  the  happiness  for  which  they  bled. — 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  69 

XXVIII. 

Another  morning  dawns  upon  the  world, 

But  not  in  bright  and  cheering  pomp  arrayed ; 
The  sun,  with  cloudy  mantle  round  him  furled, 

Dispenseth  not  his  wonted  light  and  shade  : 
A  canopy  monotonous  and  drear, 

O'er  sombre  wave,  and  misty  shore,  extends; — 
The  daring  seaman  gazes  round  with  fear 
That  danger  in  the  murky  vault  impends — 
While  there  the  Hero's  sad  attendants  see. 
Their  grief  condoled  in  Nature's  sympathy. 

XXIX. 

Still  onward,  through  the  dark  and  rolling  tide. 

The  labouring  wheels  impel  the  rapid  boat : 
As  borne  upon  the  air  in  buoyant  pride — 

Where  vast  and  deep  the  billowy  tempests  float — 
The  daring  eagle  holds  his  arduous  flight. 

And  sweeps  along  the  bosom  of  the  storm 
Unawed  by  thunders,  whirlwinds,  and  by  night ; 

So,  her  distinguished  voyage  to  perform, 
That  bark  the  elemental  danger  braves. 
And  rides  adventurous  o'er  the  lofty  waves. 


70  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

XXX. 

Behold !  half  buried  in  the  distant  clouds, 

Those  stately  masts  like  towering  palm-trees  rise ! 
While,  there,  wide-streaming  o'er  that  vessel's  shrouds 

Columbia's  flag  in  pride  and  glory  flies ! 
How  dear  to  Freedom  are  its  glittering  stars ! 

What  hopes  will  flutter  in  those  snow-white  sails — 
Now  stretched  like  sheeted  giants  on  yon  spars — 

When  they  expand  to  catch  the  Ocean  gales  ! 
When,  o'er  the  liquid  mountains  of  the  main. 
They  waft  the  Gallic  Hero  home  again  ! 

XXXI. 

Her  goal  in  view — those  emblem  stars  her  guide — 

The  Vernoti  thither  points  her  dauntless  beak ; 
With  swifter  might  her  pinions  beat  the  tide. 

And  wondering  sounds  her  ecstacy  bespeak ! 
Well  may  his  heart  with  patriot  transports  glow. 

Who  in  that  gallant  ship  an  interest  owns ; 
And  as  he  sees  her  buoyant  streamers  flow. 

His  feelings  pour  in  deep  admiring  tones ; — 
For  she  from  chaos  rose  at  Art's  command,  (5) 
Like  some  proud  fabric  reared  by  Fancy's  wand. — 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  71 

XXXII. 

Behold  her  strong-built  battlements  ascend  ! 

While  her  proud  bearing  swells  upon  the  sight; 
No  more  with  clouds  her  warlike  features  blend, 

But  stand  forth  all  distinct  in  deepening  light:— 
At  distance,  thus,  at  first  obscurely  seen. 

Some  princely  castle  meets  the  approaching  eye  ; 
And  circling  mists  enfold  its  stately  mien, 

Until,  at  length,  the  admiring  gaze  draws  nigh — 
When  its  vast  towers  emerge  in  prospect  clear. 
And  all  its  parts  in  all  its  strength  appear. 

XXXIII. 

Beneath  those  bulwarks  now  the  Vernon  glides — 
And  moored  amidst  that  buoyant  little  fleet,  (6) 

Securely  on  the  rocking  billow  rides- 
While  glowing  breasts  her  joyful  presence  greet. 

To  hail  the  illustrious  Chief  with  honours  due, 
That  peerless  ship  unfolds  her  best  array, 

Spreads  forth  among  her  shrouds  her  gallant  crew, 
And  bids  them  Freedom's  noblest  guards  display  ! 
Columbia's  self-enrolled,  unconquerable  tars. 
With  laurelled  brows,  and  bosoms  trenched  with  scars. 


72  THE  VALEDICTORY. 


XXXIV. 

The  Vernon  now  her  honoured  charge  resigns— 

On  her  his  parting  benedictions  rest — 
The  cannon's  peal  with  martial  strain  combines, 

To  welcome  to  that  ship  her  reverend  guest. 
The  swift-oared  barge,  and  ornamental  car,  (7) 

Have  borne  him  o'er  the  intervening  space — 
He  treads  that  ample  deck  unstained  by  war — 

With  deep  emotions  mingling  in  his  face! 
With  thoughts  that  range  the  last  eventful  age 
O'er  deeds  that  yet  shall  grace  the  epic  page  ! 

XXXV. 

In  free  and  solemn  interchange  of  soul, 

With  his  attendant  band  of  circling  friends. 
The  Hero's  few  remaining  moments  roll — 

Ere  he  to  them  the  parting  hand  extends!—- 
That  anxious,  fleeting  interval  is  gone — 

And  breasts  are  strained  to  his  in  farewell  clasp- 
Loved  forms  he  ne'er  again  may  look  upon — 

Worn  down  by  giant  Time's  unwearied  rasp : — 
And  youthful  patriots — sons  of  veteran  sires — 
His  prayers  receive — and  glow  with  purer  fires ! 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  73 

XXXVI. 

That  painful  valedictory  now  is  o'er ! 

The  winged  boats  their  homeward  journey  urge — 
While  many  a  heart,  with  heavy  anguish  sore. 

Is  borne  reluctant  o'er  the  foaming  surge ; 
And  eyes,  still  eager  for  another  gaze 

Upon  the  form  of  that  receding  Chief, 
Are  poring  through  the  half-impervious  haze 

Until  their  failing  vision 's  drowned  in  grief. 
And  Friendship 's  left  to  employ  its  grateful  zeal 
In  aspirations  for  his  future  weal.-— 

XXXVII. 

Like  some  proud  courser  bearing  on  the  rein. 

And  vaulting  high,  impatient  of  delay. 
That  stately  ship  doth  on  her  moorings  strain. 

In  haste  to  bound  along  the  watery  way  ; — 
But  doomed  awhile  to  wait  the  favouring  breeze. 

She  towers  alone  in  stationary  pride- 
While  from  her  sides  recoil  the  broken  seas. 

And  back  like  vanquished  hosts  in  battle  glide ; 

While  her  stern  tars  the  veering  clouds  explore, 

And  hear  with  hope  the  billow's  lessening  roar. 
10 


74  THE  VALEDICTORY. 


XXXVIII. 

Must  she,  with  boding  glooms  around  her  cast. 

Spread  forth  her  virgin  canvass  on  the  deep? 
Will  not  kind  Heaven  arrest  the  lowering  blast — 

Disperse  the  rack — and  bid  the  tempests  sleep  ? 
'Tis  done  !    celestial  splendour  bursts  around ! 

Auspicious  smiles  invest  the  unfolding  skies — 
While,  from  their  bright  and  gorgeous  western  bound, 

The  sun  pours  on  soft  clouds  his  golden  dies. 
Along  the  waves  his  glittering  mantle  spreads. 
And  joj  through  many  an  anxious  bosom  sheds. 

XXXIX. 

While  garlands,  culled  from  Glory's  richest  bowers, 

The  honoured  Chieftain's  hoary  brows  entwine. 
And  Freedom,  clothed  in  her  sublimest  powers. 

Inscribes  his  name  where  deathless  tablets  shine; 
Still  more  distinguished  honours  round  him  beam ! 

A  higher  auspice  rules  and  guards  his  weal — 
See,  o*er  him  curved,  that  Rainbow's  vivid  stream!   (8) 

Whose  tints  such  pure  ethereal  charms  reveal — 
Shall  Faith's  strong  ken  not  there,  unblamed,  descry 
A  halo  formed  for  him  by  hands  on  high  ? 


THE  VALEDICTORY.  75 

XL. 

In  that  bright  token  of  supernal  love. 

Well  may  Lafayette's  friends  their  hopes  repose — 
Assured  that  he  shall  find  an  arm  above. 

In  danger's  hour,  to  shield  his  breast  from  woes. — 
Thy  canvass,  then,  majestic  ship!  expand, 

And  bear  away  before  that  favouring  gale  ; 
Soon  shalt  thou  reach  the  Hero's  blooming  land. 

Where  joyful  bosoms  shall  thy  presence  hail; 
While  his  loved  offspring,  from  her  fragrant  shore. 
Shall  blessings  on  thy  name,  and  Freedom's,  pour. 

XLI. 

Of  Ocean's  ample  fleet  thenceforth  the  pride. 

Thou  shalt,  through  many  an  age  of  after  time, 
O'er  distant  seas,  in  radiant  glory,  ride, 

And  wave  thy  flag  inscribed  with  deeds  sublime. 
And  should'st  thou  e'er  a  foe  in  battle  join, 

That  flag's  untarnished  stars — thy  country's  fame — 
That  unforgotten  symbol's  rays  divine — 

And,  leagued  with  these,  thy  never-dying  name, 
Shall  arm  thy  guardian  band  with  quenchless  fire, 
And  bid  them  triumph,  or  in  blood  expire  ! — 


NOTES 


THE  VALEDICTORY. 


Note  (1). 

Potomac's  kindred  cities,  Sfc. 

Washington,  Alexandria,  Georgetown. 

Note  (2). 

Behold  evinced  in  their  recorded  claim,  Sfc. 

Referring  to  a  unanimous  Resolution  of  Congress,  requesting 
the  President  of  the  United  States  to  invite  General  Lafayette 
to  visit  this  country,  &c. 

Note  (3). 

By  one  to  liberty  and  thee  endeared. — 

James  Monroe. 

Note  (4). 

Hark  I  floating  from  those  melancholy  clouds. 

A  storm,  accompanied  by  rain,  set  in  early  in  the  evening, 
and  continued  until  late  on  the  succeeding  day. 


78       NOTES  TO  THE  VALEDICTORY. 

Note  (5). 

Fo%'  she  from  Chaos  rose  at  Jirt's  command. 

Like  some  proud  fabric  reared  by  Fancy^s  wand.^- 

The  Brand jwine  was  completely  equipped  for  her  voyage  in 
two  months  alter  she  was  launched  ! 

Note  (6). 

And  moored  amidst  that  buoyant  little  fleet. 

Besides  her  own  boats,  there  were  at  this  time  lying  near  the 
Frigate,  the  steam-boats,  Constitution  of  Baltimore,  and  Sur- 
prize, of  Georgetown. 

Note  (7). 
and  ornamented  car. 


General  Lafayette  was  elevated  to  the  deck  of  the  Brandy- 
wine  in  a  splendid  chair,  prepared  by  Captain  Morris  for  the 
occasion,  and  supported  on  decorated  cordage. 

See  a  well-written  and  interesting  "  Account  of  a  Trip  to 
the  Brandywine,  by  one  of  the  Gentlemen  who  accompanied 
General  Lafayette,  in  a  Letter  addressed  to  the  Editor  of  the 
National  Journal." 

Note  (8). 

See,  o^er  him  curved,  that  Rainbow^s  vivid  stream ! 

The  storm  having  dispersed,  a  beautiful  Rainbow  appeared, 
encircling  the  Brandywine,  with  its  centre  directly  over  her. 
See  the  letter  referred  to  in  the  foregoing  note. 


I 


LAFAYETTE'S  DEPARTURE. 


JlJ^  ODE. 


I. 

BEHOLD  Columbia  weeping  stand 

Upon  her  shore,  with  anguish  dumb ! 

The  pall  of  grief  enshrouds  the  land, 

And  hushed  is  labour's  cheering  hum  : 

Her  dearest  Friend  is  from  her  bosom  torn. 

And,  lo !  by  fate  to  foreign  climes  is  borne.-— 

II. 

When  on  her  breast  exposed  and  bare. 

Oppression's  storm  with  vengeance  beat, 

His  wealth  and  blood  he  scorned  to  spare, 

'Till  he  beheld  her  foes  retreat : 

And  then,  for  her,  with  all  a  patriot's  zeal 

Was  still  prepared  to  draw  his  generous  steel. — 
11 


82      Lafayette's  departure. 

III. 

A  friend  so  gallant,  kind,  and  true, 

Might  well  Columbia's  heart  have  won ; — ■ 
She  loves  him  with  devotion  due, 
Her  Benefactor  and  her  Son  !* 
A  pilgrim  to  her  arms  in  age  he  came, 
But  leaves  her  now,  recalled  bj  duty's  claim. — 
IV. 
How  swells  his  breast — how  streams  his  eye — 

As  here  he  casts  his  parting  view 

On  fields  o'erarched  by  Freedom's  sky, 

And  waves  to  them  his  sad  adieu ! 

Like  glowing  incense  wafted  o'er  the  seas. 

His  solemn  prayer  for  us  is  on  the  breeze! 

V. 

"  Blessed  home  of  Freedom  1  land  endeared! 

To  thee  my  bosom  fondly  cleaves; 
I  still  behold  thy  graves  revered. 
Where  many  a  snow-white  column  heaves 
To  mark  the  ground  where  patriot  martyrs  sleep. 
And  hoary  pilgrims  love  to  pause  and  weep. — 

*  By  adoption. 


Lafayette's  departure.      88 

VI. 

"Dear  hallowed  ground  !  Oh  sacred  graves  ! 
To  you  my  soul  with  ardour  clings  ; 

Around  the  grass  that  o'er  you  waves, 

May  seraphs  spread  their  guardian  wings ; 

For  underneath  your  verdant  turf  repose 

The  hearts  of  noblest  men— Oppression's  foes  ! 

VII. 

"  Immortal  band  of  gallant  souls  ! 

"With  whom  in  glorious  fields  I've  stood, 
When  battle  thunders  shook  the  poles, 

And  earth's  green  robe  was  drenched  in  blood ! 
In  fresh  remembrance  still  my  glowing  heart 
Will  hold  your  worth — though  from  your  tombs  I  part ! — 

VIII. 

Elysian  land  of  Liberty ! 

On  thee  may  Heaven  its  blessings  shed — 
From  age  to  age  mayest  thou  be  free — 
By  virtue  loved — the  tyrant's  dread  ! 
May  fettered  realms  thy  chartered  glories  read. 
And  learn  from  thee  to  conquer  while  they  bleed  ! 


84 


LAFAYETTE  S  DEPARTURE. 


IX. 

"  Loved  land  of  beauty,  and  of  power ! 

May  thy  example  light  the  world. 
Until  revolves  the  glorious  hour 

When  despots  from  their  thrones  are  hurled  ! 
And  not  a  region  on  wide  earth  remains 
Where  Freedom  has  not  reared  her  holy  fanes. — 

X. 

"  And  is  this  fading  view  the  last — 

The  last  these  aged  eyes  shall  take 
Of  thee,  dear  land  !— Oh  now  'tis  past ! 
And  will  this   throbbing  heart  not  break  I 
Sustain  me  Heaven !   and  grant  that  I  once  more 
May  tread  in  peace  Columbia's  happy  shore  I" — 

XL 

Thus  breathed  the  veteran's  heaving  breast. 

While  vanished  in  the  distant  blue 
The  shores  his  smiles — his  prayers — had  blessed. 
And  he  from  Vernon's  tomb  withdrew  ! 
To  leave  that  tomb,  the  patriots'  holiest  shrine. 
Wrings  blood  from  ties  that  round  his  heart-strings  twine. 


LAFAYETTE  S  DEPARTURE.  85 

XII. 

May  angel  bands  the  bark  convoy 

That  wafts  the  reverend  Hero  on — 
And  to  La  Grange,  and  all  its  joy, 
Restore  him  and  his  gallant  son  ! 
Long  maj  thy  evening  beams,  Lafayette,  shine — 
And  gild  the  world  with  their  serene  decline  ! — 


LAFAYETTE'S  JUBILEE. 


jij>r  ode: 


I. 

HE  came — the  gallant  warrior  came— 

Across  the  stormy  flood 
To  where  he  'd  braved  the  battle-flame, 

And  poured  his  youthful  blood. 
His  body  bore  the  marks  of  time. 

But  still  his  soul  was  young  I 
His  bosom  glowed  with  thoughts  sublime, 

And  wisdom  tuned  his  tongue. 


LAFAYETTE'S  JUBILEE.  87 


II. 

As  spread  before  his  joyful  eyes 

The  green  and  lovely  shore, 
Where  he  had  seen  war-tempests  rise 

And  heard  their  thundering  roar ; 
As  there,  with  peace  and  virtue  blessed, 

He  Freedom's  sons  beheld 
Reposing  on  her  fostering  breast. 

His  heart  with  transport  swelled. — 

III. 

To  view  their  country's  reverend  friend 

Rejoicing  millions  ran ; 
Where'er  Columbia's  bounds  extend 

They  hailed  the  godlike  man : 
Throughout  his  course  from  state  to  state, 

A  stream  of  glory  shone — 
A  triumph  his  supremely  great. 

To  conquering  kings  unknown  ! — 


88  Lafayette's  jubilee. 


IV. 

Not  his  the  fame  of  deadly  glare 

Whose  fiery  ray  consumes; 
But  such  a3  virtue  loves  to  share — 

As  gilds  our  fathers'  tombs  ! 
No  slaves  in  chains  before  him  bow. 

He  dreads  no  tyrant's  frown  ; 
The  wreath  of  Freedom  binds  his  brow — 

He  'd  scorn  to  wear  a  crown  ! — 

V. 

While,  greeted  with  prolonged  applause, 

He  treads  Columbia's  shore. 
Mo  canker-worm  of  Conscience  gnaws 

His  bosom's  guiltless  core  : — 
Not  his  the  oppressor's  jubilee 

Where  tongues  are  forced  to  laud  j 
Here  happy  hearts,  sincere  and  free, 

His  generous  deeds  applaud. — 


Lafayette's  jubilee.  89 


VI. 

The  scenes  he  saw  in  visions  high, 

When  from  his  darling  France 
He  hither  turned  his  youthful  eye. 

Now  meet  bis  raptured  glance. 
In  all  their  actual  grandeur  here. 

And  living  charms  arrayed— 
Wherever  shines  his  bright  career — 

Those  scenes  are  now  displayed. 

VII. 

Where  boundless  forests  spread  their  gloom, 

And  tawny  Indians  roamed, 
He  sees  a  land  of  culture  bloom ; 

And,  where  the  wild  wave  foamed 
Around  the  native's  beechen  skiff, 

Beholds  the  white- winged  sail. 
Swift  as  the  eagle  from  his  cliff, 

Rome  on  the  mountain  gale. — 

12 


90  Lafayette's  jubilee. 


VIII. 

Here,  towering  in  its  daring  might. 

He  views  the  free-born  mind. 
And  sees  a  nation  gathering  light 

From  sources  unconfined ! 
Around  him  here  majestic  rise, 

On  nature's  sacred  plan. 
Those  fabrics,  beautiful  and  wise. 

That  guard  the  rights  of  man. — 

IX. 

Thj  joys,  Lafayette,  how  divine ! 

As  here,  on  Freedom's  soil 
Adorned — enriched — by  deeds  of  thine- 

By  thy  own  blood  and  toil— 
Thou  see'st  its  fruits  luxuriant  rise. 

And  round  the  cottage  bloom, 
While  far  beyond  Columbia's  skies 

.They  cast  their  sweet  perfume. 


THE  BIRTHDAY  OF  LAFAYETTE. 


j3JV  ode. 


I. 
AROUND  the  golden  portals  of  the  morn, 
In  shining  bands  celestial  minstrels  plaj ; 
Their  strains  proclaim  a  glorious  Chief  was  born — 
A  patriot  warrior — on  this  honoured  day. 
From  orb  to  orb  the  kindling  rapture  flies, 
And  sweeps  the  vast  orchestra  of  the  skies. 

II. 

Exulting  earth  the  jojful  era  hails, 

A  brighter  lustre  kindles  o'er  her  hills, 
A  deeper  verdure  clothes  her  sparkling  vales, 
And  sweeter  music  through  her  woodlands  thrills : 
While  regions  wrapped  in  chains,  and  whelmed  in  night, 
Are  cheered  on  this  glad  morn  with  Hope's  mild  light. — 


92  BIRTHDAY  OP  LAFAYETTE. 

III. 

Well  may  thy  lovely  lands  rejoice,  0  Earth  ! 
At  this  illustrious  day's  returning  beams, 
Since  Heaven  ordained  for  them  the  Hero's  birth 
Which  ranks  its  fame  with  Freedom's  loftiest  themes  ; 
Since  for  those  lands  his  arm  was  clothed  with  power, 
His  soul  inspired  to  rule  in  danger's  hour. — 

IV. 

But  where,  O  where,4n  all  the  choral  joy 

That  swells  the  transports  of  this  day  sublime, 
Can  praises  more  sincere  the  heart  employ 
Than  burst  from,  glowing  breasts  in  Freedom's  clime  ? 
For  here  that  arm,  that  soul,  through  flames  and  blood, 
Through  storms  and  death,  repelled  Oppression's  flood. 

V. 

While  yet  the  bloom  of  boyhood  flushed  his  cheek. 

And  courtly  honours  clustered  round  his  brow ; 
His  heart,  in  valour  firm,  in  virtue  meek, 
At  Freedom's  shrine  preferred  his  gallant  vow: 
High  o'er  Ambition's  aim  his  spirit  rose, 
And  scorned  the  fame  that  feeds  on  human  woes. 


BIRTHDAY  OF  LAFAYETTE.  93 

VI. 

His  view  she  pointed  from  her  cloudless  height 

To  where  our  fathers  on  the  ravaged  field 
Were  battling  with  the  pride  of  England's  might. 
And  many  a  noble  eye  in  death  was  sealed  : 
As  there  he  saw  the  crimson  tempest  roll. 
Celestial  visions  flashed  upon  his  soul ! 

Vll. 

A  world  for  human  happiness  designed. 

He  through  the  battle  whirlwind  there  beheld ; 
No  more  the  arms  of  love  that  round  him  twined. 
Nor  patriot  passion  that  his  bosom  swelled. 
In  Gallia's  precincts  could  his  soul  restrain ; 
He  broke  from  love — from  France — and  crossed  the  main. 

VIII. 
Here  long  he  toiled  with  Freedom's  chosen  band. 

Here  deeds  of  glorious  splendour  crowned  his  fame ; 
His  generous  blood  was  shed  to  save  our  land. 

And  beauty  blessed,  and  infants  lisped  his  name  : 
His  bounty  hushed  the  orphan's  mournful  cry, 
And  soothed  the  pang  that  barbed  misfortune's  sigh. 


94  BIRTHDAY  OF  LAFAYETTE. 

IX. 

Columbia,  then,  may  well  his  birth-day  hail 
With  tuneful  harp,  with  pomp  and  song, 
While  sons  from  fathers  learn  the  joyful  tale 
That  shall  from  age  to  age  his  deeds  prolong : 
His  fame,  still  brightening  with  the  sweep  of  Time 
W^hile  earth  revolves,  shall  shine  through  every  clime. 

X. 

What  though  upon  his  dear-loved  native  France 

The  trace  of  tyrant  footsteps  still  is  seen  ; 
And  there  censorial  courts  with  withering  glance. 
O'er  struggling  genius  rear  their  gorgon  mien? 
There  yet  the  truths  by  her  great  patriot  taught, 
Shall  melt  the  chains  that  bind  the  wing  of  thought ! 

XI. 

The  time,  erelong,  shall  come,  when  Freedom's  voice 
O'er  Gallia's  fragrant  vine-wreathed  hills  shall  rise. 
On  this  her  people^s  proudest  day  rejoice, 
And  pour  thanksgivings  through  her  radiant  skies  : 
Then,  then,  Lafayette  !  shall  thy  glory  stand 
The  loftiest  monument  in  all  her  land. 


BIRTHDAY  OF  LAFAYETTE.  95 

XH. 

To  thee  a  still  uncancelled  debt  she  owes, 

Thy  life  was  staked — thy  wealth — thy  peace — resigned. 
To  check  the  bloody  torrent  of  her  woes, 

When  Fury,  armed  with  flames,  enraged  and  blind, 
Destruction  through  her  blooming  vineyards  spread. 
And  yelled  as  Virtue  from  its  vengeance  fled. — 

XIII. 

When  Murder,  roaming  through  the  midnight  gloom, 

In  many  a  noble  heart  her  dagger  laved. 
And  heros  on  the  scaffold  found  their  doom. 
Thy  valiant  breast  the  frantic  horrors  braved : 
A  pillar  of  sublime  and  splendid  light. 
Thy  virtues  towered  through  the  awful  night. 

XIV. 

Terrific  demons  ruled  the  stormy  hour. 

And  Chaos  brooded  o'er  the  ruined  land  ; 
While  dastard  spirits  trembled  at  thy  power. 
And  bade  it  fall  beneath  the  assassin's  hand  : 
But  shielded  by  the  Almighty's  holy  arm, 
Thy  gallant  life  escaped  th*  impending  harm. 


96  BIRTHDAY  OP  LAFAYETTE. 

XV. 

Still  on  thy  footsteps  pressed,  with  blood-hound  rage, 
Thj  ruthless  foes — and  still  thy  life  was  spared  ! — 
Thy  wrongs,  enrolled  on  History's  faithful  page. 
Shall  fire  the  soul  when  patriot  arms  are  bared 
Where  man,  worn  down  by  bonds,  on  Heaven  shall  call, 
And  rise  in  strength  to  burst  his  iron  thrall. 

XVI. 

Then,  from  thy  dungeons,  Olmutz,!  sounds  shall  break, 

Whose  thunders,  thrilling  like  some  martial  blast, 
Shall  fettered  nations  from  long  slumbers  wake. 

Hurl  thrones  to  dust,  and  strike  proud  kings  aghast ! 
And,  then,  in  their  own  prisons'  vaulted  glooms. 
Shall  vanquished  tyrants  find  congenial  tombs.-=- 

XVII. 

Thy  glory,  reverend  Chieftain  !  despots  dread 

In  every  realm  that  bows  beneath  their  sway ; 
Where'er  the  fragrance  of  thy  fame  is  shed. 
Kind  hope  still  casts  on  man  her  soothing  ray ; 
And  when  the  world  no  longer  bears  a  throne, 
Enfranchised  millions  shall  thy  virtues  own.— 


BIRTHDAY  OF  LAFAYETTE.  97 

XVIII. 

Let  Freedom,  then,  her  glittering  banner  rear, 

And  on  her  mountain  heights  let  bonfires  burn, 
To  hail  thy  natal  day?  from  year  to  year. 
While  minstrel  songs  proclaim  its  glad  return. 
And  beauty's  voice,  and  childhood's  artless  tongue, 
The  chorus  join,  'till  through  the  world  'tis  rung. 

13 


XiINE^^ 


Written  after  the  Departure  of  Lafayettet 


1. 
COLUMBIA'S  jubilee  is  o'er, 

Her  floods  of  joy  subside ; 
Her  friend — Lafayette — leaves  her  shore, 

O'erwhelmed  in  sorrow's  tide, 
Farewell,  Columbia's  friend,  farewell ! 

The  gales  that  waft  thee  on. 
The  sighs  of  weeping  millions  swell. 

Who  mourn  that  thou  art  gone. 


LINES,  ^C.  99 


IL 

Here  late  the  blaze  of  welcome  burned, 

And  song  and  pomp  proclaimed. 
That  Freedom's  champion  had  returned 

To  where  his  sword  once  flamed, 
When  struggling  in  the  field  of  blood 

Against  a  haughty  foe, 
Her  Spartan  phalanx  nobly  stood, 

Returning  blow  for  blow. 

III. 

But  silence,  now,  and  mournful  gloom, 

Throughout  the  nation  spread ; 
For  here  no  more  his  smiles  illume 

The  land  for  which  he  bled. 
His  presence  breathed  a  holy  spell. 

That  round  our  vast  domain. 
Like  heavenly  dews,  or  manna,  fell. 

And  vanquished  care  and  pain. 


100  LINES,  §C. 


IV. 

Now  that  enrapturing  spell  has  flown. 

And  care  and  pain  return — 
Hark !  mingling  with  Columbia's  moan. 

Sounds  burst  from  Freedom's  urn — 
**  Farewell,  my  honor'd  Son !" 

In  plaintive  tones  resound. 
Where  heaves  the  tomb  of  Washington 

On  Vernon's  hallowed  ground. 

V. 

Behold  !  the  nation  bows  in  prayer 

For  her  departed  guest : — 
"  Thy  arm.  Almighty  Father,  bare— 

Send  forth  thy  high  behest, 
To  guard  Columbia's  reverend  friend 

From  Danger's  varied  power ; 
May  peace  and  joy  his  life  attend. 

And  bless  his  final  hour!" 


THE  BOW  AND  SMILE. 


Lines  Addressed  to  General  Lafayette  by  a  Little  Oirly  at  whose 
Request  they  were  written. 


GREAT  Chief!  ere  yet  five  annual  suns  had  shed 
Their  radiant  beams  around  my  infant  head, 
I  heard  thy  virtues  pealed  in  notes  of  fame, 
And  learned  to  love  and  venerate  thy  name. 

When  told  that  I  thy  reverend  face  should  view, 

I  felt  the  gush  of  joy  my  cheeks  bedew ; 

And  when  the  cannon's  voice  and  rolling  drum 

Proclaim'd  that  thou,  the  great,  the  good,  hadst  come, 

My  little  heart  with  glad  emotions  beat, 

And  rapture  bore  me  through  the  thronging  street, 

Until  my  eyes  thy  glorious  form  beheld. 

Where  shouts  of  greeting  thousands  round  thee  swell'd. 


102  THE  BOW  AND   SMILE. 


One  look  of  kindness,  then,  one  smile  from  thee, 
Were  worth  a  thousand  splendid  toys  to  me  ; 
But  how  could  1,  the  humblest  being  there, 
Such  favour  claim'— such  mark'd  attention  share  ? 
Distinguished  men,  and  beauty,  round  thee  press'd, 
Thy  notice  gained — by  thy  regards  were  bless'd : — ► 
There  martial  bands  in  glittering  armour  shone. 
And  music  breath'd  in  many  a  thrilling  tone  : 
How  then  could  I  e'en  hope,  on  that  proud  day, 
Amid  its  joys  sublime,  and  grand  array. 
That  thy  exalted  thoughts,  and  glance  benign. 
Should  rest  one  moment  on  a  form  like  mine  ? 
But  still,  towards  thee,  my  eyes,  my  steps  were  turu'd) 
And  for  one  smile  from  thee  my  bosom  burn'd. 
When,  pausing  in  thy  transit  through  the  crowd, 
Thy  eye  met  mine — to  me  thy  head  was  bow'd  ! 
And  from  thy  noble  features,  free  from  guile, 
Upon  me  beam'd  thy  gentlest,  tenderest,  smile ! 
Still,  through  my  heart,  I  feel  its  melting  glow. 
And  still  it  makes  my  tears  of  transport  flow. 

That  bow,  that  smile,  whate'er  the  unknown  fate 
That  may  my  pilgrim&ge  through  life' await. 


THE  BOW  AND  SMILE.  103 

Still  treasured  with  ray  memory's  richest  gems, 
I'll  dearer  hold  than  queens  their  diadems. 

Those  cherish'd  tokens  of  thy  kindness  tell, 
How  mildest  virtue  can  with  greatness  dwell ; 
How,  free  from  proud  Ambition's  dazzling  glare) 
The  loftiest  Chief,  with  condescending  care. 
Can  mark  the  movements  of  a  humble  child, 
Nor  deem  his  glory  of  one  ray  despoil'd  : 
How  e*en  amid  the  pomp,  and  gorgeous  blaze, 
That  speak  his  fame,  and  blind  the  common  gaze. 
His  zeal^his  kind,  his  anxious  zeal^s  shown. 
To  make  each  bosom  happy  as  his  own. 

For  thee,  my  country's  friend  !  my  prayers  shall  rise, 
When,  borne  away  from  Freedom's  sheltering  skies. 
Thou  art  upon  the  raging  ocean  cast. 
Exposed  to  yawning  gulf  and  whelming  blast; 
And  when,  again,  thou  breath'st  thy  native  clime. 
Begirt  by  Freedom's  foes,  by  chains,  and  crime, 
O !  may*8t  thou  there  in  health  and  comfort  find 
Thy  friends  and  all  thy  loved  ones  left  behind  ! 
And  soon,  with  these,  soon  may'st  thou  hither  come, 
To  plant  in  Freedom's  soil  thy  final  home  I 


104  THE  BOW  AND   SMILE. 

And  here  may  I,  the  gay,  the  happy  child. 
To  whom  the  good  man  bow'd  and  smil'd, 
Again  his  coming  hail — his  presence  greet, 
His  smiles  enjoy — his  benedictions  meet. 


THE  PND. 


swm 


•^ 


^TT^r^r 


ERRATA. 

12th  p  8th  line,  iov  flowers  read  bowers. 

16th  3d     "     for  the  crown  read  her  crown. 

17th  5th  "     for  tyranny  read  tyrants. 

23d  ast  line,  for  there  read  here. 

27th  4th  "     for  weeping  read  sweeping. 

71st  0th   "     for  allies  strength  read  alU/icir  strength- 

103d  "th    "     for  a  humble  read  an  humble. 


■W^ 


\ 


